When you act in a politic way, you're being shrewd and diplomatic, carefully considering how your actions will affect your relationships and goals. It means choosing your words and actions strategically to avoid conflict or to advance your interests.

A politic response to a difficult question might avoid giving a direct answer that would offend someone. When your friend asks if you like their new haircut and you don't, saying “It's really different! You're so brave to try something new” might be the politic choice. Usually, the word has positive connotations, but sometimes, your close friends want your authentic thoughts, not your politic commentary.

Less commonly, politic can mean “politically shrewd” in a calculated way, as in a politic alliance between rivals.